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Looper not expected to miss next start

Looper not expected to miss next start

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By Adam McCalvy
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MLB.com |

MILWAUKEE -- Brewers pitcher Braden Looper had an appointment with the team doctor on Thursday, but reported nothing but soreness the day after he was struck on the back of his right arm by a line drive.

Head team physician Dr. William Raasch confirmed that Looper had a contusion. The right-hander is expected to make his next start as scheduled on Monday against the Mets at Miller Park.

"I feel pretty good," Looper said. "Sore, but I knew it was going to be sore, and I think that's normal."

That came as good news to manager Ken Macha, who already lost one starter -- righty Dave Bush -- to the disabled list after a similar incident. Bush was struck by a Hanley Ramirez line drive in Florida on June 4 and made three poor starts before an MRI scan revealed micro-tearing of the triceps.

Looper was struck in a different spot by Carlos Gomez's up-the-middle shot, higher on the triceps in a more meaty part of the muscle. The baseball deflected to first baseman Prince Fielder for a diving catch.

"I'm sure that because of what happened with Bush, they'll be extra careful," Looper said. "It feels good, though, so I don't foresee any problems at all."